Cole Hamels takes the mound tonight as the Phillies host the Colorado Rockies tonight on ESPN in the first of a nine game homestand. The Phils will be looking to avoid a fifth straight loss, which would be their longest losing streak in almost a year.
In their return home, the Phillies will be looking for offense. They scored just seven runs in their current four game losing streak and have batted under .200 over the span. The pitching, as expected, has remained solid, but the offensive struggles have gotten out of hand. It could be that Rockies' starter Jorge De La Rosa is just what they need. Traditionally, the Phillies have mashed off De La Rosa. From ESPN
De La Rosa has recorded a 12.46 ERA in losing his last three starts to Philadelphia, and has been tagged for 14 runs in 8 1/3 innings in losing his two career starts at Citizens Bank Park. Ryan Howard is 3 for 6 against him since 2009.
The Rockies are mired in a bit of a tough run themselves having lost 8 of their last 12, however they did sweep a two game series over the Giants this week, which gave them a half game lead in the NL West.
First pitch is at 7pm tonight on ESPN.